Okay, so I think I already know the answer to this before I even ask, but here goes. I am currently a PMP certified project manager with ~10 years of project management experience, primairly in the areas of software development and process improvement (BPR/BPM). I was working in the financial services industry (banking) for the past 5 years in various roles as a Sr. Project Manager and most recently managing the software development team. PRior to that, I spent about 5 years building software in the energy industry (primarily nuclear). Recently, my company downsized which left me looking for new opportunities. I was very fortunate to have stayed in contact with a previous business partner of mine from years ago who just happened to be looking for a program manager. I am now partnering up with him on several projects and things are going well, although there are still many details to work out. Sorry for the lengthy narrative, but I thought it might be helpful to understand my background and current situation before I pose my question to the experts here.
I currently have a BS in Management Information Systems and a PMP certification. Recently I began pursuing my masters in software engineering. I have completed the first course and am registered for two classes next semester. The MS Software Engineering program will take me about 2 years to complete taking 2 classes at a time, or 3 years if I take one class at a time. It is a very "development" or "engineering" centric program, and this concerns me a bit from a management perspective as I have no interest in moving back into any type of development or engineering practitioner position. I am at the point where I know I can move forward and complete the program, but at this point I am beginning to question its value. I applied and was accepted to the MBA program at the same institution, but it was actually twice as long. I also have a strong background in process improvement, so I am wondering if going for my six sigma black belt might be the better option at this point, especially since I am now consulting with very highly regulated industries that place a high value on Six Sigma, ISO, CMMi, etc.
So, I am at a crossroads with a couple of options - [1] continue with the MS Software Engineering program (much effort required - 2-3 years), [2] pursue my Six Sigma Black Belt (minimal time required - about 6 months), or [3] do nothing and use the time I would have spent on either continuing to build my core project management knowledge and experience.
I would appreciate any insight you may have. I have evaluated costs, time, return, etc for all of these options and absolutely understand the issues there. I am looking for "perceived" or "actual" value of each of these, especially coming from a Director or Executive level position looking to hire a consultant or consulting company.
Thanks in advance!!! Saving Changes...
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Dave McMillinSr. Project Manager| TEKsystemsWashington, Il, United States
I would say it depends on your career plans. "am now consulting with very highly regulated industries that place a high value on Six Sigma, ISO, CMMi, etc." - tells me that Six Sigma would be the way to go if you plan to continue consulting. Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
For the future value to your marketability I suggest Six Sigma and then ITIL Certifications.... but that is just me. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Good advice. I actually already have an ITIL Foundation certification. I guess I forgot to mention that one :-)
It looks like Six Sigma might be the way to go. Please keep the comments coming though. Thanks!!! Saving Changes...
It seems to me that Six Sigma will be a good choice for you. When we think about CMMi, PMI, ISO, Cobit, ITIL, etc., we can see Six Sigma closely related with all these stuff.
By the way, it depends on your plans, on what you intent to reach.
Best regards. Saving Changes...
Elyse NielsenSenior Project Manager| Ascension Health Information ServicesHaines City, Fl, United States
Hi,
I'd recommend doing the short term focus upon a Six Sigma certification, after that is completed focus on the MS.
